Scotland captain Darren Fletcher feels his side will have to overcome one of the greatest work ethics in world football if they are to get anything against Spain.
Fletcher has come up against the likes of Andres Iniesta while playing for Manchester United against Barcelona and knows there will be long spells when Spain keep the ball at Hampden on Tuesday night. The world champions are most admired for their unparalleled skill in possession but Fletcher believes it is Spain's attitude off the ball that stands them apart from the rest.
"The thing that really impresses me is the way they win the ball as soon as they lose it. They are like a British-style team," said Fletcher.
"When they lose the ball they press as a team quickly and try to win it back within the first three passes, so they have got the ball in the opposition half rather than sitting off them and letting the opposition build an attack."
Fletcher added: "You have got to understand they are going to have long spells of possession - they do that against the best teams in the world.
"You have got to keep your patience, it's important to match runners and watch out for one-twos.
"Sometimes they pass the ball that much you might get a little bit eager and try and win it early and they will just play it around you.
"You have got to be compact as a team and have lots of concentration and communication to pass players on and make sure you are hard to beat, but also try and break when the opportunity arises.
"If you can try to beat that initial pressing, there might be opportunities to get forward and create chances."
Source: PA
